The Boston Marathon Welcomes You!

DISTANCE: 26 miles, 385 yards (42.195 Kilometers)

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world's most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Athletic Association manages this American classic, which is sponsored by John Hancock Financial Services. The Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity and method of gaining entry into the race (via qualification).

THE COURSE

The legendary Boston Marathon course follows a point-to-point route from Hopkinton to Boston, and is certified per the guidelines set forth by the IAAF and USA Track and Field. To view the course, click here.

QUALIFYING

To qualify to run the Boston Marathon, entrants must run a qualifying time at a certified marathon. Qualifying times are determined by your age on the date of the Boston Marathon in which you will be participating. All participants must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the B.A.A., USATF or foreign equivalent, Wheelchair Athletics USA, and the International Stoke-Mandeville Wheelchair Sports Federation and must meet the standards for eligibility as outlined by these organizations. Qualifying times must be met in competitions observing these same rules. All times are subject to verification. Participants must be 18 years or older on race day

AMENITIES

All entrants receive admission to the pre-race pasta party and post-race party, race program and results booklet, a long-sleeve T-shirt, and transportation to the start. Finishers receive a commemorative medallion.

TIMING

Since 1996, the Boston Marathon has employed a computer timing system. Digital clocks displaying elapsed time are located at every mile and five-kilometer marker.